Support for dads
Many dads experience feelings of inadequacy as a parent. Some feel unable to cope with challenges in family life. With few places to go for support, Friends of the Family’s qualified counsellor provides a welcome refuge to those dads.
What do we offer?
One-to-one counselling for dads who are facing difficulties within the home. The service is run by a fully qualified counsellor.
Who is it for?
Dads who are suffering low self-esteem and are experiencing challenges with their role as a parent, relationship struggles or emotional issues.
How does it work?
Dads are referred to us in a variety of different ways: including via GPs and through our Mums and young children and 5s to 13s befriending services. When a Dad is referred, a telephone assessment is carried out by our counsellor. If both parties agree that they can work together then a weekly appointment is made.
Counselling sessions are held at Friends of the Family’s offices.
What are the benefits?
Our service provides a safe, relaxed environment in which dads can open up. They can work through personal issues and address concerns around family and fatherhood. Exploring different parenting skills also helps them build confidence in their abilities as a dad.
Joe’s story…
Joe was referred for counselling from our 5s to 13s befriending service. He had refused the dads’ support for some time as he didn’t feel ready to access it. He was suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and combined with other physical conditions he had found it increasingly difficult to leave his home unless it was really necessary, such as for medical appointments. This restriction in lifestyle had impacted greatly on his family as they were not able to spend time together out of the home. After just 4 sessions of counselling Joe was able to drive again and he went out to the park with his children for the first time in six years! Joe says, “the support has been really helpful; I didn’t think it would help as much as it has.”